Choosing a Concrete Leveling & Repair Contractor

Do I need to repair my cracked concrete?

Cracks in your concrete won’t go away on their own, and ignoring them could potentially lead to greater damage. While some concrete cracks may appear cosmetic, over time they’ll become wider and more difficult to repair. Cracks in your driveway or sidewalk don’t always need to be repaired right away, but cracks in your home’s foundational concrete become a more pressing issue.

Severely cracked concrete around your home’s foundation can lower the safety, comfort, and value of your home and likely lead to a resale issue. If you notice a crack in your home’s foundation, cracks in your basement walls, or other signs of foundation damage, get in touch with a concrete specialist who can seal or repair the damage right away. Learn more.

How long does concrete resurfacing last?

This depends on your concrete resurfacer. Professional resurfacing contractors usually offer a ten-year estimate- give or take a few years- but resurfacing could last far longer depending on how much use your concrete gets, the surrounding conditions, and other determining factors.Popular DIY store-bought brands may be less concentrated, therefore offering less coverage and fewer years of protection.

What is self leveling concrete?

Self-leveling concrete is a cement mix mainly utilized as a flooring underlayment. DIY self-leveling concrete is used to renovate floors or apply new floors, however it can also be used on its own and dyed or stained for a better aesthetic. As the mixture is poured and spread, it will self-level and create an even foundation for flooring to be applied.

Self-leveling concrete can be used under hardwood, laminate, tile, or ceramic flooring. Further advantages include a quick dry-time, easy-to-pour consistency, and resistance to moisture damage and other buildup. Disadvantages include minimal coverage when used alone due to the formula being less concentrated than traditional cement.

Why is my concrete sinking?

Concrete foundations, driveways, and sidewalks may sink and settle for a number of reasons. Much of this has to do with soil inconsistencies. Depending on which region your home or business is in, the type of soil may be more likely to compress under pressure, causing concrete slabs above to sink down over time.

Another issue is moisture. As water penetrates your concrete and shifts underneath, the soil will also shift. This creates empty spaces below your sidewalk or driveway lead to sinking and settling concrete. A concrete repair contractor can effectively lift and stabilize sunken concrete, eliminating unsightly damage and tripping hazards for your guests and family.

What causes cracked concrete?

When the soil beneath a concrete slab washes out or compacts, part of that slab may fall unsupported, while another part remains stabilized. The unsupported portion of the concrete slab will crack off from the rest, sinking until it lands on supportive soil.

Repairing these cracks is vital, as any vulnerability to the slab creates an entry point for moisture which will further compromise the soil. Cracked concrete contractors will likely use a caulking agent and reinforce the underlying soil to prevent additional issues.

What causes concrete cracks in my foundation wall?

The repair process for foundation wall cracks depends on the type of crack you’re seeing. Some cracks are due to soil settlement or concrete shrinkage while others indicate structural issues with your home’s foundation.

A trusted concrete or foundation contractor should be able to diagnose your foundation cracks and offer an estimate for filling the crack, reinforcing the soil, or adding structural support to prevent further damage.